SPOTLIGHT

‘THE CIRCLE’

It’s been a long summer with few theatrical experiences to break up

the doldrums. But all that is about to change as South Coast Repertory

prepares to begin its 2001-02 season with Somerset Maugham’s social

satire “The Circle,” which starts in previews on Friday.

The production, which opens its regular run on Sept. 7, features Nancy

Bell as Elizabeth, Rebecca Dines as Anna, John Hines as Arnold,

John-David Keller as the footman, William Biff McGuire as Porteous,

Carole Shelley as Lady Kitty, Douglas Weston as Edward Luton and Paxton

Whitehead (pictured) as Clive.

“The Circle” revolves around the return of Lady Kitty, who abandoned

her husband and son when she ran away with the love of her life, Lord

Porteous, 30 years earlier. She returns to face the family she left and

to meet her daughter-in-law, Emma, who faces a similar dilemma.

Directed by Warner Shook, the play will start a shortened season at

SCR that includes Kenneth Lonergan’s “Lobby Hero,” Moliere’s “School for

Wives” and “The Homecoming” by Harold Pinter.

FYI

What: “The Circle”

Where: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: Previews start Friday. Regular run starts Sept. 7. Performances

will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays

and Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Sundays.

Cost: Preview tickets begin at $19. Regular run tickets are $27-$52.

Contact: (714) 708-5555

A ‘Phantom Menace’ at the Newport Dunes

Maybe “Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace” doesn’t have the

legendary feeling of the original. It still pleases kids, and what better

place to see it than outdoors on a warm summer night at the Newport Dunes

Waterfront Resort. That way, if you get bored at what’s on the screen,

you can always look up at the stars and pretend.

FYI

What: “Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace’

Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport

Beach

When: Dusk

Cost: Free, but parking is $7

Contact: (949) 729-3863

PLANNING AHEAD

TASTE OF NEWPORT

Nibble and nosh at this three day event that features foods from some

of the best restaurants in the area, not to mention fabulous music.

Friday through Sunday, Sept. 14-16

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

Give a hoot, help don’t pollute and help clean up the ocean as part of

Coastal Cleanup Day.

Saturday, Sept. 15

NUMERICALLY SPEAKING

3: The number of boats that are part of the Balboa Island Ferry.